Moisture requirements of mint
Mint is a popular aromatic plant, and its strong vitality often makes people mistakenly think that it does not require careful maintenance. But if you want to truly grow mint with thick leaves and strong aroma, water management is the key. This article will take you to fully understand the mystery of mint's water requirements at different growth stages through scientific analysis and practical guidance. In-depth analysis of the water demand characteristics of peppermint plants physiological needs characteristics of peppermint is a typical water-sensitive plant, and its developed fibrous root system has super water absorption capacity. The average daily water requirement during the seedling stage can reach 150ml/m², and increases to 300ml/m² during the mature stage. The dense glandular hairy structure on the leaf surface accelerates water evaporation, which is an important reason for the high water requirement of mint. Differences in growth stages It is optimal to maintain soil moisture at 60%-70% during germination period, increase it to 80%-90% during growth period, and appropriately reduce it to 70%-75% during flowering period. By observing the status of the leaves: young leaves droop and need to be replenished, and old leaves yellow indicate that they are too wet. Practical skills for precise watering intelligently judge watering timing using the "three-finger detection method": insert your finger into the second knuckle in the soil, and replenish water is needed when it is dry. It is recommended to water 6-8 a.m. in summer, and 11-13 a.m. in winter. Ground planted plants need to be equipped with a rain gauge. Artificial water replenishment can be suspended when the natural precipitation reaches 15 mm. The golden rule of water control follows the principle of "progressive watering": watering is completed in three times, each time separated by 10 minutes. The amount of water per potted plant = container volume ×0.3, for example, 600ml of water per 2L flowerpot. Special note: Clay pots lose water *0% faster than plastic pots, so the frequency of water replenishment needs to be increased. Water quality optimization plan Establishing a rainwater collection system can increase the essential oil content of leaves by 18%. Tap water needs to stand for more than 48 hours, or add 0.5 g/L humic acid to neutralize it. Irrigation with mineral water containing trace elements once a month can effectively prevent yellow leaf disease. The guidelines for the construction of hydroponic systems use stepped water level management: keep 2/3 of the roots submerged during the rooting period, and adjust it to 1/2 during the maturity period. Add 2 drops of nitrogen-containing nutrient solution when changing water every week, and control the EC value at 0.8-1.2mS/cm. Using black containers can reduce the algae breeding rate by 70%.
Through precise water management and foliar fertilizer spraying for 15 days every time, the mint harvest cycle can be shortened by 25% and the essential oil content can be increased by 30%. Keep in mind the core principle of "seeing the dry, seeing the wet" and combined with scientific monitoring methods, you will be able to cultivate amazing high-quality mint.